My greatest joy in Motherhood (double celebration day!)

A Story, An Announcement, and an Invitation ❤️

Thank you for tuning into this special episode!  A story: I am sharing something I have never documented publicly! It is my story of going from being a 40-year old, full-time homeschool mom (with a newborn!), to blogging, writing books, creating courses, and hosting a podcast! There are a few sentimental moments tucked in there, as well as some heartfelt encouragement for everyone listening.   An announcement: I am also announcing that after SIX YEARS of podcasting (every week of the year!) I am planning a break from the podcast. I am looking forward to this much-needed sabbatical as I am headed to Australia this week (for Luke’s first “Challenger series” surf contest) and have a lot more kids’ sports-related travel this summer, as well as other family commitments I want to be present for. I hope you can take some time to revisit episodes from the past years in the meantime.   An invitation: With the break from podcasting, I whole-heartedly invite you to join my weekly email list where I will be sharing a short-and-sweet summer email (calling it “summer shorts”!) with links to favorite articles and podcasts, a quick word of encouragement and other helpful links and fun surprises.   JOIN THE EMAIL LIST AT: http://www.monicaswanson.com/subscribe [http://www.monicaswanson.com/subscribe]  Also, find links mentioned and a chance to comment in today’s show notes: http://www.monicaswanson.com/announcement  General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast [http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast]  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Praying for Teen Boys, with Brooke McGlothlin

The teenage years can be an emotional roller coaster in your kids’ lives. It can be hard to watch our teens face difficulties, insecurities, temptations, and crossroads when they must make big decisions. Unfortunately, there are limits to what we can do for our teens. But fortunately, there are never any limits to what we can PRAY – and what God can do!  My friend, Brooke McGlothlin is back with us today to talk about praying for our teen boys. (Though I believe most of this conversation will apply to girls as well.) Brooke is sharing from her new book, “Praying for Teen Boys” which I had the honor of writing the Foreward for! 🥰 Brooke and I open up with some of our favorite #boymom stories, and then we have a very real chat about the teenage years – what has surprised us, and the role of prayer in our own motherhood journey. Brooke shares some of the topics in her new book, including 90 Scripture-based prayers to guide you in praying for your children!  This is a special conversation since this podcast was originally “The Boy Mom Podcast” and I go back as a contributing writer for Brooke’s previous ministry, the “MOB (Mother of Boys) Society.” I love this topic and I hope it is a big encouragement to you as well!   Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/prayingforteens  General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast [http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast]  Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2 prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath [https://diveintomath.com/].com to learn more!  The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org [http://www.christianparenting.org/]  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Helping Kids Develop a Devotional Routine, with my son, Josiah

As we near summertime, we look forward to so many things! Perhaps less stress and more downtime…slowing down, and maybe sleeping in even! Yet, summer is also a great time to work on healthy family habits: Chores, *Character Training, and a daily quiet time with the Lord!  I receive a lot of questions about kids and devotions…when did my kids start, what did that look like, and do I have devotionals that I recommend? Today, my oldest son, Josiah, joins me to talk about all of these things. Josiah shares what he remembers about starting off doing devotions as a boy, and he shares some Scriptures that motivate him to spend time with the Lord. We also discuss the role of a devotional to go along with the Bible and prayer each day.    And then!...Josiah shares a special announcement about his brand new devotional for teens! It’s called “The Gospel in 30 Days” and he has been working on it over the last couple years. We love how it turned out and believe it is a great devotional for tweens or teens (and even young adults/parents!) Listen to hear more of Josiah’s heart for the new devotional, and head over to show notes to get links and read more!   Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/kids-devotions  Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and they believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2 prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath [https://diveintomath.com/].com to learn more!  General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast [http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast]  The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org [http://www.christianparenting.org/]  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

My greatest joy in Motherhood (double celebration day!)

Today I like to imagine I am gathered with all of you moms for a big group hug and some sincere encouragement. I wish you all a happy Mother’s Day (week) and I want you to know how valuable and precious you are as a mom!     Today also marks the one-year birthday of my book, “Becoming Homeschoolers”. To celebrate all these things, I decided to read a short excerpt from the book…specifically the part about “How we started” homeschooling. For those of you who homeschool, I hope you are encouraged today. For those of you who don’t homeschool, I think you’ll still enjoy this story. Either way this should help you get to know me a little better. Also, I offer a prayer for ALL of the moms at the end of this episode!    Find links to everything I mention, including my viral blog post + podcast: “Five ways to Avoid Mother’s Day Disappointment” in show notes at: http://monicawwanson.com/mothers-day-2025 [http://monicawwanson.com/mothers-day-2025] Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/mothers-day-2025 [http://www.monicaswanson.com/mothers-day-2025]  Thank you to my new podcast sponsor, Previnex - clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health. I use their Muscle Health + (with creatine!) and Gut and Greens daily to support muscle health, digestion, and overall health. Go to Previnex.com and USE CODE: MONICA for 15% off your first order! [https://www.previnex.com/?rfsn=8661656.bb1d8c]   General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast [http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast]  The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org [http://www.christianparenting.org/]    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

My wellness journey (diet, exercise, hormones and more)– a Q & A with Monica

Welcome to the final week of this spring series on Women’s Wellness topics! Today, Leanne Benson flips the mic to interview ME to talk about my personal wellness journey. We gathered questions that many of you sent in via email and Instagram, and we’re covering a great range of topics!  Leanne opens with a chat about my book, The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends, as Leanne calls it “the last diet book you’ll ever read!” J. Leanne asks how my approach to diet and nutrition has changed over the years, and what my workouts currently look like. I share how the “Thin Cycle” from my book can be applied to our mindset in all areas (including peri/menopause!)   Then Leanne goes into rapid fire Q&A’s, asking my thoughts on everything from Infrared lights to collagen, my latest go-to meals, and much more.   Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/womens-qanda [http://www.monicaswanson.com/womens-qanda]  Thank you to my new podcast sponsor, Previnex - clinically effective supplements that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health.  I use their Muscle Health + (with creatine!) and Gut and Greens daily to support muscle health, digestion, and overall health. Go to Previnex.com and USE CODE: MONICA for 15% off your first order! [https://www.previnex.com/?rfsn=8661656.bb1d8c]   General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast [http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast]  The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org [http://www.christianparenting.org/]  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]